What better way to set the tone for Chester’s next bid for City of Culture than a visit by the Art Bus designed by pop art legend Sir Peter Blake. The CCA Art Bus will be exhibiting work by artists including past and present Royal Academicians and other contemporary artists, giving a taste of the full exhibition being held at The Watergate Street Gallery, who organised the bus’s visit.

On September 6th, the vehicle will be joining in the International Polo Weekend at Chester Racecourse, where guests will be invited aboard for a private tour. Watergate Street Gallery will be offering competition winners tickets to this exclusive event.

Richard Thomas, Chief Executive of Chester Racecourse said: ‘We are delighted to be able to offer the Audi International Polo event as a platform to showcase the Sir Peter Blake designed Art Bus. It is an exciting project for the owner of the Watergate Street Gallery, Alex Sharp.’

Sir Peter Blake designed the bus in a groovy pop art style with one objective: to create a rock n’ roll bus to house art. In 2008 a 20-year-old double-decker, which once toured the streets of Liverpool was customised until it became something special. The Art Bus has welcomed movie stars, musicians, famous artists, and art lovers ranging from school children to the elderly.

On Saturday September 7th the Art Bus will tour Chester’s Roman landmarks, parading around famous locations including the city walls, the amphitheatre, and of course the Eastgate Clock, until it reaches its final destination – The Watergate Street Gallery. The gallery is hosting a private view from 12 noon, all are welcome to attend, but you must contact the gallery in advance for a free ticket to board the Art Bus. The gallery will present an exhibition of limited edition prints including work by Sir Peter Blake, Barbara Rae CBE RA, Bruce McLean, the late Storm Thorgerson, and the late Donald Hamilton Fraser RA, alongside new talents Dan Baldwin and Joe Webb.

Alex Sharp, owner of The Watergate Street Gallery said: ‘The gallery has paid homage to Blake’s incredible collectors pieces over the years and we are delighted the Art Bus is joining us in Chester. It launches a series of genuine high quality art exhibitions at the gallery. We believe in making contemporary British art accessible to the wider community.’ n

The Gallery’s exhibition will continue until 6th October with free entry for all. Visit www.watergatestreetgallery.co.uk for full details..